Copper Banking offers the best debit card for teens
Through an impartial evaluation process, we give our recommendations for the best items, and we are not influenced by ads. If you visit partners we recommend, we might get paid. For more information, see our advertiser disclosure.
Teenagers' debit cards are frequently linked to their parents' or guardians' checking accounts or may be prepaid debit cards. Typically, these cards are used to help educate kids money management skills and give them a sense of financial independence.
The best debit cards for teenagers offer the ease of cashless transactions and have crucial parental controls. Numerous cards also provide aids for financial literacy and practical mobile apps for simple access while on the road.
Best Debit Cards for Teens of 2022
- Best Overall: Copper Banking
- Best for Earning Interest: Capital One MONEY Teen
- Best for Multiple Users: Bluebird Prepaid Debit Card
- Best for Online Security: Jassby Virtual Debit Card
- Best Checking Account Debit Card: Chase First Banking
- Best Prepaid/Reloadable Card: FamZoo
- Best for High Spending Limits: American Express Serve
Best Debit Cards for Teens
- Copper Banking
- Capital One MONEY Teen
- Bluebird Prepaid Debit Card
- Jassby Virtual Debit Card
- Chase First Banking
- FamZoo
- American Express Serve
- Final Verdict
- Compare Providers
- How To Choose
- FAQs
- Methodology
BEST OVERALL
Copper Banking
- FEES: No monthly fees
- REWARDS: None
- AVAILABILITY: Everywhere
Why We Chose It
The Copper Banking card doesn't have a monthly cost, gives teenagers advice on managing their money, and gives parents access to the card so they can monitor spending.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- FDIC-insured
- No monthly fees
- Robust financial literacy resources
Cons
- Few customer service reviews
Overview
2019 saw the launch of Copper, a brand-new online banking service for teenagers. It has a checking account, debit card, and a mobile app for education. The app provides tests and educational materials written by specialists in financial literacy to assist teenagers in learning about money management. It guides account holders through saving and budgeting so they can learn by doing.
Additionally, Copper enables parents to reply to teen requests for money, instantaneously transfer money or set up an allowance, and monitor their children's spending patterns. There are no transfer fees, monthly fees, overdraft fees, or fees at any of the more than 55,000 ATM locations. However, if you decide to deposit money at a Green Dot register, a store might charge you.
Additionally, your assets are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 and fraud monitoring is included, giving you zero-liability protection. Anyone who is 18 years old, possesses a legitimate Social Security number or Tax Identification Number, and already has a checking account is eligible to open an account for a minor.
It should be noted that since Copper Banking is so young, it is challenging to discover customer service reviews.
BEST FOR EARNING INTERESTCapital One MONEY Teen
- FEES: Zero fees
- REWARDS: Checking account balance earns interest
- AVAILABILITY: Everywhere
Why We Chose It
Users of the Capital One MONEY Teen card can earn interest on their checking account balances through an app that has separate areas for parents and teens.--
Pros And Cons
Pros
- You must already have a Chase checking account to qualify.
- not compatible with digital wallets
- No P2P transfers, direct deposits, or remote deposits
Cons
- No bill-pay or check writing
- No sign-up bonus
Overview
Money Capital One There are no fees associated with opening, using, or maintaining a teen checking account, and balances receive 0.1 percent annual percentage yield (as of May 2022). There are no monthly maintenance fees, no charges for money transfers to or from external accounts, no charges for international transactions, and no access charges for more than 70,000 ATMs.
The number one mobile app offers separate logins for parents and teenagers. Parents may set up automatic allowance payments, monitor account activity and set up notifications, and even lock the teen's account if required. Teens can establish savings goals and see their balance increase.
You only need to be at least 18 years old and have an active checking account in order to fund the account for your kid; you do not need to be a Capital One member. As long as their parent or legal guardian is a joint account holder, children as young as eight can open a Capital One MONEY Teen checking account.
BEST FOR MULTIPLE USERS
Bluebird Prepaid Debit Card
- FEES: No monthly fees
- REWARDS: None
- AVAILABILITY: Not available at all retailers
Why We Chose It
Due to its free subaccount creation for up to four teens and parental controls on each account, Bluebird from American Express is the ideal option for groups of users.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Minimum costs
- sophisticated parental controls
- four maximum subaccounts
- FDIC-insured
Cons
- Some merchants refuse to accept it
- No associated bank accounts
Overview
With the Bluebird American Express Prepaid Debit Card, you can open up to four teen subaccounts without paying any fees. Additionally, there are no transfer costs to other Bluebird account holders, no monthly maintenance fees, and no fees for ATM withdrawals at any of the more than 30,000 MoneyPass ATMs. The $5 card cost is eliminated if you sign up online, and you may load cash onto the card for free at Walmart or by direct deposit.
You can grant up to four teens (13 and older) access to the funds on your card using Bluebird subaccounts while maintaining tight control over their use. Each subaccount has a prepaid card and unique login information. Setting daily spending restrictions, preventing transactions or ATM access, receiving low balance notifications, and freezing the card from your Bluebird account are all options.
Additional benefits include free online bill pay, purchase protection, Amex discounts, and roadside assistance. You must be of legal age in your state, have a current Social Security number, and be a resident of the United States in order to register.
BEST FOR ONLINE SECURITY
Jassby Virtual Debit Card
- FEES:None
- REWARDS: None
- AVAILABILITY: Only available where contactless payment is accepted
Why We Chose It
Teenagers may safely make purchases with the Jassby Virtual Debit Card without the dangers of a physical card, and parents can manage allowances and keep an eye on spending.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- choices for safe, contactless payments
- the capacity to balance chores and allowances
Cons
- No physical card or ATMs access
Overview
You won't have to be concerned about a physical card becoming misplaced or stolen when you use the Jassby Virtual Debit Card. You can still make secure transactions online or in stores, though, because its virtual card number supports contactless payment. Because contactless payment uses a virtual account number and generates a different security code for each transaction, it is generally more secure than using a real card.
Users of the Jassby Virtual Debit Card will also need to set up a PIN and use Touch ID or Face ID in order to complete transactions. Teenagers can purchase items directly through the Jassby Shop, where they can get access to special discounts, in addition to shopping online and in physical stores.
Parents can send money as rewards for accomplishing goals or as allowances via the Jassby smartphone app, and kids can do the same or ask their parents to approve tasks. The app allows parents to keep an eye on their child's spending habits.
You must be at least 18 years old, be a legal resident of the United States or a citizen, have an email address, and have a U.S. bank account or credit card in order to apply for the Jassby Virtual Debit Card. Sutton Bank, a participant in the FDIC, is the issuer of this card.
BEST CHECKING ACCOUNT DEBIT CARD
Chase First Banking
- FEES: None
- REWARDS: None
- AVAILABILITY: Everywhere
Why We Chose It
The Chase First Banking free teen checking account includes a debit card with advanced parental controls and free transfers.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- no costs
- sophisticated parental controls
- teen savings objectives
- FDIC-insured
Cons
- You must already have a Chase checking account to qualify.
- not compatible with digital wallets
- No P2P transfers, direct deposits, or remote deposits
Overview
Chase First Banking offers kids a free debit card and more parental control than other teen checking accounts for parents who have a Chase checking account. Teenagers can request money through the mobile app and create savings objectives. Parents can authorize the requests for an immediate payment.
The app also allows parents to establish spending restrictions (including restrictions for particular categories of spending) and account alerts to keep an eye on their children's purchases. A regular allowance or one-time chore can likewise be established.
With this card, there is no minimum deposit requirement or monthly fee, and users have free use of more than 16,000 Chase ATMs. There are only two fees: a foreign transaction cost and an out-of-network ATM fee. You must be at least 18 years old, have a current Chase checking account, and have a valid Social Security number for both you and your child in order to apply for an account. For Chase First Banking, a child must be at least six years old.
Chase also offers a Chase High School Checking Account, which has less usage limits but also doesn't come with the same amount of parental oversight, for teenagers who require Peer to Peer (P2P) payment features.
BEST PREPAID/RELOADABLE CARD
FamZoo
- FEES: $2.50-$5.99/month
- REWARDS: None
- AVAILABILITY: Everywhere
Why We Chose It
The FamZoo prepaid card offers strong parental controls and resources for financial literacy despite having a monthly cost.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- FDIC-insured
- enables parents to pay interest on savings and planned allowances
- sophisticated parental controls
- excellent reviews for client service
Cons
- $5.99 monthly cost (or $2.50 if you pay in advance)
- Reload fees in cash (electronic transfers are free)
Overview
The FamZoo prepaid card instills the importance of hard work with tasks and chores tied to financial rewards, and it teaches fundamental envelope budgeting with spend, save, and give accounts. Parents may charge interest on teen loan money as well as pay interest on savings.
Additionally, from the mobile app, parents may set up recurring allowances, send one-time payments, authorize cash and reimbursement requests, get activity notifications, and lock or unlock the card. The mobile app allows teens to set savings objectives and monitor their progress.
After the free trial period, there is a $5.99 monthly subscription; but, if you pay in advance, you can save money. When paid in advance, a two-year subscription costs $2.50 a month. There aren't any transaction fees, including those for international or ATM withdrawals (though you will pay the ATM operator fee). Direct deposit and ACH transfers are free of charge, however cash reloads at Green Dot and Mastercard rePower facilities cost $4.95 each.
You must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, have a valid Social Security number, and be able to fund the card with at least $5 in order to open an account.
BEST FOR HIGH SPENDING LIMITSAmerican Express Serve
- FEES: $6.95/month
- REWARDS: None
- AVAILABILITY: Wherever American Express is accepted
Why We Chose It
Teenagers who make major purchases should use the American Express Serve card since it has a high $15,000 monthly spending limit and a $750 daily ATM withdrawal restriction.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Preventable costs
- up to four teen subaccounts
- FDIC-insured
- a large monthly expenditure cap
Cons
- If you don't direct deposit, there is a $6.95 monthly cost $500+ monthly
- Foreign exchange commissions
Overview
The American Express Serve prepaid card can be ideal if you're looking for a card with a high monthly spending cap for handing your kid money. If you make a direct deposit of at least $500 per month, the $6.95 monthly fee is waived. Free transfers, free subaccounts for up to four people, free online bill pay, free early direct deposit, free ATM withdrawals at more than 30,000 MoneyPass ATMs, and more are also included.
Subaccounts allow parents to establish limits on how much money their children can access while using the mobile app to keep an eye on transaction activity. Online card registration is free, but there is a $3.95 cash reload cost. Additionally, American Express's renowned fraud protection and round-the-clock customer assistance are included with your card.
To apply, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the United States, and have a current social security number. No minimum balance is necessary.
Final Verdict
The greatest debit card for your kid will depend on both the amount of control you desire over their account and the type of spending habits they have. There are prepaid cards and debit cards linked to checking accounts; one has advantages over the other. Even though all of the debit cards we selected have fantastic features, Copper Banking stood out to us because it emphasizes ease and financial literacy, which are the primary justifications for parents allowing their teen to use a debit card.
Compare the Best Debit Card for Teens
| DEBIT CARD |
FEES |
REWARDS |
AVAILABILITY |
PARENTAL CONTROL VIA MOBILE APP |
| Copper Banking
Best Overall |
No monthly fee |
None |
Everywhere |
Yes |
| Capital One MONEY Teen
Best for Earning Interest |
Zero fees |
Checking account balance earns interest |
Everywhere |
Yes |
| Bluebird Prepaid Debit Card
Best for Multiple Users |
No monthly fees |
None |
Not available at all retailers |
Yes |
| Jassby
Best for Online Security |
No fees |
None |
Only where Apple Pay is accepted |
Yes |
| Chase First Banking
Best Checking Account Debit Card |
No fees |
None |
Everywhere |
Yes |
| FamZoo
Best Prepaid/Reloadable Card |
$2.50-$5.99/month |
None |
Everywhere |
Yes |
| American Express Serve
Best for High Spending Limits |
$6.95/month |
None |
Wherever American Express is accepted |
Yes |
How to Pick the Best Debit Card for Your Teenage Child
Is a Debit Card Right for Your Teen?
It's a significant decision to decide if a debit card is appropriate for your kid. Your teen will gain from being exposed to financial freedom and will pick up some money management skills that they'll probably find useful in the future. Additionally, you'll be able to monitor their spending patterns and establish spending restrictions for the account.
Before receiving one, you should think about your teen's personality and if you believe they are mature enough to handle a debit card. In case they misuse (or overuse) any of the funds, you should also make sure you can still afford it.
Compare Debit Cards for Teens
You should contrast teen debit cards when looking for them so that you can pick the one that best suits your family's requirements. Among the crucial elements to take into account are:
- The most crucial factor to take into account is parental controls. Make sure you can manage the account's usage restrictions and spending by having access to it.
- Fees: Review the costs before enrolling. Monthly fees, ATM fees, foreign transaction costs, and even reload fees could be charged. Make sure you have adequate money on hand to pay any expenses your adolescent may incur.
- Consider the locations where the card can be applied for initially and where it will be accepted. Obtaining a card that your teen cannot use at the majority of businesses is not beneficial.
- Added characteristics: Does the card provide any other benefits? Teenagers can benefit from financial literacy tools and advice as they learn how to handle their finances.
- Rewards: If at all possible, get a credit card that offers benefits like interest on balance transfers or cash back on specific purchases.
Help Your Teen Use Their Debit Card Responsibly
As a parent, you can assist your teen in getting the most out of their new debit card, making responsible use of it, and developing sound financial practices that will benefit them as adults. You can walk your kid through how the debit card functions, what fees are assessed and when they apply, and how they can track their purchases, make deposits, and check their balance at any time.
Teens can learn about budgeting, saving objectives, needs vs. wants, and other fundamentals of money management when debit cards are used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Debit Card for Teens?
Parents can open bank accounts with debit cards attached for their teenagers, or they can give them prepaid cards. The best debit cards for teenagers include a mobile app, tools for teaching financial management to teenagers, and some level of parental control.
What Distinguishes a Debit Card for Teens From a Regular Debit Card?
Adults generally open teen debit cards to offer their children access to finances while keeping parental oversight. Adults use conventional debit cards to make purchases from their checking accounts.
Compared to teen debit cards, regular debit cards frequently have less usage limits. For instance, although features differ per account, a juvenile debit card might not support mobile check deposits or online bill payments. Teen debit cards also come with crucial parental controls because they are connected to an adult's account.
Can a Debit Card for Teens Help Establish Credit?
No. You can only use a debit card to make purchases equal to the amount that has been placed onto it or is currently accessible in your checking account. Because you aren't borrowing money or paying off the balance, debit card providers don't file reports with the major credit bureaus. Make your kid an authorized user on one of your credit card accounts; this is the finest approach to assist them in establishing credit.
What Age Do Teens Need to Be to Get a Debit Card?
The card determines the required age. Some credit cards only permit accounts for youths 13 and older, while others are made for younger children. For instance, children as young as age six may open a Chase First Banking account if it is done so jointly with a parent.
How Can Debit Cards for Teens Teach Money Management?
Giving your teen a blank prepaid card to spend however they like won't necessarily teach them good money management techniques. However, your child will learn the fundamentals of banking if they put their allowance into a checking account.
Your child will begin to develop wise budgeting practices and an understanding of the relationship between work and money if the debit card or prepaid card you use has built-in money-management features, such as setting up and monitoring savings goals or planning chores to earn money in the account.
Methodology
Our experts examined 20 debit cards, taking into account a number of customer-important variables, to determine the best debit cards for teenagers. We contrasted the different kinds of parental controls, spending caps, ATM withdrawal costs, accessibility, rewards, and other card features that are offered. Before making our top recommendations for each category, we also considered the card issuers' general repute.
